This morning, the creator of Soul Train was found dead in his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He was 75. Read on for details on the death of Don Cornelius, as well as heartfelt tributes from the music legends whose careers he helped launch.

Don Cornelius “died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” L.A. Coroner Assistant Chief Ed Winter told People. “Earlier this morning, paramedics had responded to his L.A. residence at the 12,600 block of Mulholland Drive. He was transported to the emergency room at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:56 a.m. An investigation is ongoing.”

It’s just so sad, stunning and downright shocking … a huge and momentous loss to the African-American community and the world at large. Don Cornelius single handedly brought about a melding and unity of brother and sisterhood among young adults worldwide and globally with the unforgettable creation of Soul Train.

Patti LaBelle also called Cornelius, “simply a genius, and the contributions he made to music and our culture are second to none. I will always treasure the fond memories I have of working with Don over the years and being part of the history that he created through Soul Train.”

She continued, “He will truly be missed and my heart and prayers go out to his family.”

“It’s a heartbreak to the music world, to the television world and it is a heartbreak to me personally,” said Stevie Wonder. He continued:

That’s why we have to always reach out to friends and put our best love forward. God bless his family and God bless his soul.